Dear friends,
As we celebrate Open House this weekend, we look forward to welcoming visitors to St Alban’s and sharing something of the rich history of our parish church. There is so much to discover in our building and in the story of the people who have worshipped, served and prayed here over the years. If you know someone who would enjoy discovering more about St Alban’s, do invite them along!
Next Sunday we will also be celebrating our Harvest Thanksgiving, giving thanks to God for all the good things he provides and remembering those who do not have enough.
Please do start gathering non-perishable food items to bring to church next Sunday. These will be blessed at the Harvest Thanksgiving and then given to our Crypt Foodbank, where they will help local people and families who are struggling to put food on the table.
At a time when so many charities, societies and community organisations are facing financial pressures, and when many people are finding it increasingly difficult to afford something as basic as food, our response as Christians must be one of generosity. We are called to share what we have, to care for our neighbours, and to make the love of Christ tangible in our community.
So, as you shop this week, please consider picking up an extra tin, packet or other non-perishable item for our Harvest Thanksgiving. Every contribution, however small, can make a real difference.
We look forward to seeing you at St Alban’s on Sunday!
With my prayers and every blessing,
Fr Sean
Walking for the Brickwork Appeal 🚶♀️🚶♂️
A huge thank you to everyone who has taken part in our 10-mile sponsored walk over the past few weeks!
A special thank you to Jenny and Margaret, who walked 10 miles over two days, and to Bridget, who clocked up more than 10 miles while walking in Norfolk.
And thank you to Fr Sean, Natalie and Mary, who walked the full pilgrimage to Fr Lowder’s grave in Chislehurst in a single day, in anticipation of the Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross.
Thank you to everyone who has sponsored us so far. If you’ve yet to contribute, there’s still time! Please use the link below to support our Brickwork Appeal. Every contribution helps us care for the church building and all that happens within it.
Open House at St Alban’s Church
Friday 18 Sep 3-7pm & Saturday 19 Sep 10am-6 pm.
Volunteers will be needed between those times to greet / steward and help with refreshments.
Notices
Harvest Thanksgiving – Sunday 27th September
Please bring non-perishable food items for our Harvest Thanksgiving. All items will be blessed at the end of the Parish Mass and given to our Foodbank. Thank you!
Samuel Ibiotye RIP – Sunday 4th October
During the Parish Mass we will be remembering our dearly departed Samuel as a memorial of his death. Members of his family will be present.
Black History Month Service – Sunday 11th October
Followed by Afro-Caribbean lunch party in the church hall. Tickets on sale soon.
Divinitus – Wednesday 14th October, 7pm
All young adults are welcome to join us for Mass (30 mins) followed by a social in the Prince George next door.
Divinitus Pilgrimage to St Alban’s Cathedral – Saturday 17th October
Join for a group visit to St Albans Cathedral, the oldest site of continuous Christian worship in Britain and one of the country’s most remarkable historic and spiritual landmarks. More details on the poster below.
Mothers’ Union 15th Celebration – Saturday 17th October, 10.30am
The local MU chapters from various churches will be joining us in St Alban’s for a celebration Service of the 150th anniversary of the MU. Please join us to welcome and give thanks for this work and mission.
Electrical repair Party – Saturday 17th October, 2pm
Following the MU celebration, the electrical repair party will be in church to fix any electrical items you may have for FREE.
2027 Parish Pilgrimage to the Shrine in Walsingham 13th – 16th August
Booking forms available from 6th September. Completed forms plus £40 cash non-returnable and non-transferable deposit to be given to Jenny by 20th September.
To give regularly, please visit the Giving section of our website:
This Week at St Alban's
Contact
Vicar:
Fr Sean Gilbert SSC (020) 8653 6092
Churchwarden:
Jenny Sturtevant 07745 017607
Safeguarding Officers:
Shelley Leckey (020) 8240 9188
Margaret Earle 07972647007
Hall Hire:
Tammy Sprosen 07944435013
hmalbanse25@gmail.com
